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http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_480913.html
from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Official Proposes Gun in Every House
By Chris Foreman and Paul Paterra
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Would-be burglars and vandals might have to watch which homes they target in Indiana County if a council member in tiny Cherry Tree Borough has his way.
Henry Statkowski is proposing a "civil protection ordinance" that would ask all heads of households in the 450-resident borough to maintain a firearm and ammunition so residents don't have to rely on police to do a "homeowner's job."
Statkowski posted the draft language last week on the Web site of the Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association.
The measure is similar to an ordinance passed Nov. 14 in Greenleaf, Idaho, a town of about 862 residents that was founded by pacifist Quakers.
The proposed ordinance may end up as a resolution since it neither requires anything of anyone, nor does it have any penalties," Statkowski said in an Internet posting. "But it would make a statement to burglars, ne'er-do-wells and other criminal elements that they really, really might want to think twice before doing anything illegal against the citizens of the borough of Cherry Tree."
Statkowski could not be reached by the Tribune-Review for an interview about the proposal.
In his posting, he said he had given a copy of the proposal to the borough's solicitor for review before the Dec. 6 public meeting. Solicitor Gary Jubas was not available for comment.
Another council member, Drax Felton, said Statkowski mentioned the proposal at a meeting earlier this month, but he doesn't expect it to pass as an ordinance.
"We discussed it for a short time, and I thought the general consensus was that it was a silly thing to do," Felton said Tuesday.
Tim Meckley, a Cherry Tree resident, doesn't see the need for such an ordinance.
"I don't think you need to have an ordinance to have a firearm in the house," Meckley said. "I understand what he's saying, it's to deter crime. In a rural area like this, it is a while till you can get a policeman when it's needed. I don't think you need an ordinance from the borough saying you should have a firearm in your home."
Meckley, who is Felton's father-in-law, said Cherry Hill is not an area plagued by crime.
"There's minor mischievous stuff that occurs," Meckley said. "If somebody wants a gun, they're going to have a gun. If they're legally allowed to have one, they're going to have one with or without an ordinance. "
Meckley said input from residents was not sought in the consideration of the ordinance.
Alice Fry, another Cherry Tree resident, said she will not have a gun in her home. She doesn't see the need for such an ordinance since having a gun is the prerogative of the homeowner.
"When I have my four grandchildren here, I wouldn't want them getting shot," Fry said. "I would never have one in my home."
Resident Ken Farabaugh said he doesn't see the need for a gun.
"I don't think anyone should have a gun," he said. "The more guns you have, the more trouble you can get into."
As part of the proposal, Statkowski suggests that the mayor and police chief promote and encourage firearm safety training for residents in the northeastern Indiana County borough.
In the posting, Statkowski says the defense of one's life is "both a right and an individual responsibility."
While Indiana County isn't known as a hotbed for violent crimes, Statkowski referred to a summer 2005 home invasion in the nearby Nicktown area of Cambria County in which two people were bound and held at gunpoint while their homes were robbed.
"To the man of the house, I don't believe your wife would appreciate it very much if you said, 'Sorry, honey, I'll wait until the police arrive and have them defend your life,' " Statkowski said in the posting.
Chris Foreman and Paul Paterra can be reached at [email protected] or 724-439-4229 x2401.